Aurora and Ice Caves Photo Workshops in Iceland

Winter Photography Workshops in Iceland

The Aurora and Ice Caves Photo Workshop is our most popular tour for a reason. This is a photography adventure like no other, exposing you and your camera to the very best sights that Iceland has to offer. We will chase the northern lights, explore spectacular ice caves, capture the magical glacier lagoon at Jokulsarlon and witness much more besides. This winter tour has it all.

Across eight memorable days we will take in the landscapes and light conditions that have made Iceland one of the world’s premier photography destinations. We’ve got professional photography guides, a crazy amount of local knowledge and a welcoming country ready to explore. So what are you waiting for? Grab your gear; an Arctic paradise awaits!

Total price: 3990 USD

The highlights of Aurora and Ice Cave photo workshops:

Why book with us?

We are a local tour operator and travel agency authorised by the tourism board of Iceland.

All our guests get a free collection of post-processing videos from our award winning photographers worth over $1,500

On our tours we provide custom-built 4x4 super trucks to safely transport you to amazing locations and we provide 2 seats per photographer

We are using only the best hotels available in Iceland.

Our photo tours and workshops are guided by award-winning professional landscape photographers.

We provide crampons and rubber boots for free to all our guests throughout the tour.

During the tour, we give highly informative and easy-to-follow photography and post-processing lectures.

Our photo guides will always help you on the field to make sure you will bring home stunning photos of Iceland.

Northern Lights Photography

Nothing sums up the magic of Iceland quite like the aurora borealis. The ethereal northern lights have inspired wonder and awe for generations, and it’s our privilege to capture them glowing high above Iceland’s pristine Arctic landscapes.
The northern lights are the result of solar activity, which explains why they seem like something from another planet! Over the course of this eight day trip we will do our best to be ready when they appear. Several locations in Iceland offer fantastic light conditions for aurora hunting and photography, especially during the winter months when the darkness lingers for longer than usual. We will cross our fingers for clear skies and watch on as they illuminate the Arctic landscapes below.

Aurora over Glacier Lagoon in Iceland

Crystal Ice Caves in Vatnajokull

The Ice Caves of Vatnajokull

Although the skies above Iceland are as dramatic as anything you will see, sometimes there’s magic to be found underground. That’s why our Winter Photo Workshop features a trip to the ice caves of Vatnajokull. These unique cave systems shift with the changing glacier every year, so it’s up to the creative forces of nature to dictate our underground experience.
The ocean-blue ice crystals make for an incredible composition, and the light dancing off the crystals all around means this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for photographers. After all, these caves reform every year; it’s history that we will be witnessing.

Jokulsarlon and the ice beach

During this winter photography tour we will make several stops at the glacial lagoon of Jokulsarlon. Deep in Vatnajokull National Park, the lagoon has become a must-visit photography spot. Not only can we capture the moment that abstract icebergs break free from the glacier and begin their cruise toward the Atlantic. We will also visit Iceland’s very own diamond beach, which sits on the bank of the lagoon and is littered with magnificent ice crystals.
The interplay between light, dark sands, glistening ice and potential winter snow makes this a breathtaking place to shoot as the sun comes up or goes down. On top of all that, we might strike it lucky and have the Aurora glowing overhead!

Ice Beach in Iceland

Our Northern Lights and Ice Cave Photo Workshops have a flexible itinerary, which allows us to adapt to the conditions and help you make the most of your time in Iceland.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Iceland

The first day of this winter photo tour will begin with your arrival at Keflavik International Airport. From there you’ll take the flybus to your hotel in central Reykjavik. The group will meet in the hotel’s lobby at 7pm and head out to a local restaurant for a delicious meal and take the chance to get to know each other. We will also run through the itinerary and discuss the adventure to come.
The night will be spent at your hotel in Reykjavik.

Harpa concert hall in Reykjavik

The Sun Voyager

Day 2 - Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Dyrholaey, Reynisfjara

The tour will start for real on the morning of day two. The group will be collected with our specialised bus and set off early in the morning. The plan is to travel east along Iceland’s south coast. On the road are a number of opportunities for some typically enchanting Iceland photography, including the black sands at the beach near Vik and two of Iceland‘s picturesque waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss.

Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most photographed sights. The 63-meter drop is impressive by anyone’s standards, but there’s an added bonus of a cavern inside the mountain the falls that gives you a panorama out from right behind the falling water.

The second waterfall we will visit along the south coast is Skogafoss. It’s perhaps not as magical as Seljalandsfoss, but what it lacks in subtlety it makes up for in imposing power. Tumbling down from a height of 60 meters, Skogafoss also offers several perspective and has paths above and below that we can shoot from. During sunny days the spray Skogafoss may even produce a double rainbow.

After our encounters with two of Iceland’s most famous ‘falls, the group will head to the stunning beach of Reynisfjara. It’s close to the fishing village of Vik and renowned for its dramatic scenery. Black sand lines the water’s edge and an imperious collection of basalt columns offer a perfect subject for landscape photography. Further out to sea is another collection of rugged basalt stacks, Reynisdrangar, which stand up to the angry waves in what is one of Iceland’s most mesmerising locations. We will spend the night in Vik.

The arch Dyrholaey

Skogafoss waterfall

Day 3 - Vatnajokull National Park

It would be a crime to visit this area of Iceland without taking the time to explore the Vatnajokull National Park. At its core is Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier, and dotted around are sights and locations that are well deserving of our time and attention. On day three we plan to focus on the southern and eastern parts of the park, stopping by at yet more Icelandic waterfalls, including Svartifoss and Hundafos.

We will also fit in trips to expansive glacier tongues, the famous lagoon of Jokulsarlon and much more.
Our great hope is that all of this spectacular scenery will be topped off by an appearance or two from the northern lights. With soft light, a touch of snow and otherworldly aurora high above, this will be landscape photography like you’ve never experienced before.

Crystal Ice Cave in Iceland

Northern Lights over Glacier Lagoon

Day 4 - Vatnajokull National Park

On day four we’ll have more time to explore the glacial lagoon of Jokulsarlon. As a group we will turn our focus toward the natural ice carvings breaking free from the glacier, and watch on in awe as they float out into the open ocean. We will also capture the serene ice crystals that wash up along the black sands of the shore. The plan is to set out before sunrise and catch the first rays of the day as they illuminate this perfect winter scene.
Despite all the incredible sights to see above the ground, the highlight of day four will probably be our visit to the ice caves. These unique cavities are true wonders of nature; otherworldly tunnels that lead deep into the Vatnajokull glacier. Time literally freezes here, and it will be an inspiring experience that will stay with you forever - best to bring plenty of spare batteries!

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon in Iceland

Ice Beach in Iceland

Day 5 - Vestrahorn

The fifth day of this winter photography expedition will take us further east, away from the sights of Vatnajokull and on towards Vestrahorn, an imposing mountain that rises from the black lava beach of the Stokksnes peninsula.

We will look to capture the mountain at sunrise and sunset, just as the light conditions begin to soften and this breathtaking landscape is illuminated.

Ice Beach in Iceland

Vestrahorn in Stokksnes

Day 6 - Skaftafell, Vik

On day six our focus will be the varied landscapes of the Skaftafell preservation area. This section of the Vatnajokull National Park has plenty of photogenic sights, but the most popular is probably the Svartifoss waterfall. It’s framed on both sides by dark basalt columns, and in the winter fresh snow adds another layer of intrigue to an already magical setting.

And there’s lots more to see nearby. Another waterfall, Hundafoss, is on the way up to Svartifoss, and offers impressive views of the mountain of Kristinartindar in the background. The area is also home to picturesque glacier lagoons and the glacier outlet of Svinafellsjokull; an ideal spot for a hike on the ice.

For our evening shoot the group can head back to the beach at Reynisfjara. This battered piece of coastline is without doubt one of the world’s most beautiful. Instead of white sand and palm trees we can expect plenty of wind, black sand and eerie basalt rock formations - ideal subjects in the dying light. The scenery is made all the more dramatic by angry waves. Just make sure you’re not too close when they break!
We will spend the night in Vik.

Aurora over black sand beach in Vik

Sunrise Reynisfjara

Day 7 - Geyser , Gullfoss, Thingvellir national park, Reykjavik

The last full day of our photography adventure in Iceland focuses on the world-famous Golden Circle, a trio of natural attractions that manages to encompass all that this country has to offer.
The Golden Circle, which includes Thingvellir National Park, the mighty Gullfoss waterfall and the geothermal area home to Geyser, is all within a short drive of Reykjavik.

In many ways this trio of sights is the perfect way to end our trip. Thingvellir National Park offers incredible scenery, yet another display of the awesome power of nature and huge cultural significance to the Icelandic people. As well as sitting on the border of two tectonic plates, this area was the site of Iceland’s first ever parliament back in the 10th century. Today the landscape is carved open by a rift between two continental plates - a chasm that goes right the way through the park’s lake, which you can walk through and scuba dive between.

Next is the geothermal valley of Haukadalur, home to several exhibits of Iceland’s geothermal power. There we can witness Geysir, a once-spouting pool of boiling water that has given its name to geysers all over the world. Fortunately for our cameras, its neighbour Strokkur is much more obliging, and we can watch on as it fires water high into the sky every ten minutes or so. There are also plenty of bubbling mud pools and fumaroles to keep us entertained.

The final part of the Golden Circle is the thunderous waterfall of Gullfoss. The ‘Golden Falls’ are one of Iceland’s most iconic sights, and it won’t take long for you to understand why. Downstream from the Hvita glacier, Gullfoss has two separate drops that end in a deafening roar of water and foam. For any landscape photographer this kind of scene is the pinnacle: capturing the power of nature up close and from multiple angles. With any luck there will be fresh snow and the northern lights glowing above to illuminate this most Icelandic of scenes.

After an epic photography tour ending with Iceland’s Golden Circle of attractions, we will head back to Reykjavik for our overnight stay.

Gullfoss waterfall in Iceland

Sunset at Geyser in Winter

Day 8 - Transfer to Keflavik Airport

The last day is always the hardest! After making a bunch of new friends and capturing plenty of magical moments on camera, you will hop on the FlyBus from your hotel and head to Keflavik international airport for your flight home.

Reviews

We have been on many photo tours through the years and thought we had seen to best. Wrong! Iceland Photo Tours set up a tour which far exceeded any expectations we might have had. Everything was meticulously planned…lodging, food, transportation, and locations were all first rate. The bus was even large enough for us all to have 2 seats each! The level of attention that our guides provided was outstanding. All in all this was a very memorable trip, and we certainly would recommend Iceland Photo Tours for any Icelandic photo trip you may be contemplating.

Scott and Joyce Oberle

Want to make your photos pop? Are you willing to take your photography to the next level? Do you just need to escape to some place exotic & new? Iceland Photo Tours offer just that with the convenience of transportation support, excellent lodging and great, local food options. Before, I had lots of trouble producing even a passable photo after a day of shooting, but after Iurie’s workshop I learned how to actively find and work good angles for landscape photography. Also his deep knowledge of how to post-process photos made the workshop a great value. Iurie also was very focused on our safety & didn’t take unnecessary risks during our travels. I would definitely do another workshop with Iurie again.

Jim Barcelona

My wife Susan and I want to thank Iceland Photo Tours for providing the finest Photography Workshop we have attended. As novice photographers we found previous photography workshops and tours to be somewhat intimidating and overwhelming, our photo guide's entire focus was to provide exceptional guidance and attention to the entire group during the workshop. The accommodations from start to finish were first rate, the food was exceptional, and the transportation was extremely comfortable with ample room for personal space and gear. Words cannot adequately describe the locations Iurie and Edwin selected for the workshop simply “MAGICAL”. We will attend future workshops and bringing friends. Thanks again for a great experience and stunning photographs. If you are thinking about going…you won’t regret it.

Bill and Susan Ayers

Bill and Susan Ayers Photography

I have been in many tours but this particular tour was really made for photographers. With ample time to photograph the scenes and also the proper timing in shooting these wonderful landscapes will make the experience worth it. The guides are very knowledgeable and assist us in shooting the location at the best possible conditions. Transportation and lodging is also pleasant and decent.

Chris Cobacha

Chris Cobacha Photography

This was one of the best photo workshops I have been on. The places we went to were spectacular, as to be expected, but beyond the vistas, the level of professionalism and mentor-ship was second to none. Time was taken to help every student improve in composition and to see the environment in a new way despite difficult lighting conditions. There is no doubt that I improved as a photographer. The tour was very photographer specific with tons of time given to fully explore an area. There was no feeling of being rushed at all.

Gene Ho

My husband and I have a lot of experience both in leading and participating in workshops as students, I have to say that this trip has by far been the best ever. Not only the destination, but they logistics and smoothness of operations lets you know there are true professionals behind. Our Guides will always go the extra mile, making sure every students feels special, always by us in the field, suggesting compositions, calling basic settings on every stop and really making you go home with the image you were dreaming off. They keep close tabs with weather conditions, driving the group even over an hour away if skies were clear, and adjusting the times to leave to avoid unpleasant windy condition on the road. The lectures were to the point and amazingly helpful, which is an added value to an already great experience.They even factored a couple of shopping stops, quite convenient for us with little time. Every little detail has been given careful consideration. Perfection! In other words, this has been a life-time experience and we are already booking our next tour with them.

Alfred and Fabiola Forns

Read more Testimonials.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

If you cancel and the Workshop is otherwise filled, we will refund you the full amount you have paid towards the tuition, minus a $300 service charge. If you cancel and the Workshop does not fill, then you will be refunded according to the following schedule, based on the full fee of the Workshop:

Greater than 60 days from the start date of the Workshop: full refund minus $300 fee.
45 days or more: 75% refund
30 days or more: 50% refund
Less than 30 days: no refund

Refunds will be paid by the same method that the original payment was made.

Disclaimer

The tour is always dependent on weather, as the Icelandic weather can indeed be highly unpredictable. Likewise, visits to ice caves are dependent on favorable conditions, and indeed the ice caves themselves are not permanent. When it comes to the Northern Lights, while they are most likely to be seen between September and April, there is no guarantee that they will appear at a given time. There is however always plenty to see and do if conditions do not favor any part of our original plan.

Photos taken during our Aurora and Ice Caves photography tours in Iceland

About

Iceland Photo Tours was started by Iurie Belegurschi who is a fully licensed tour operator by Icelandic Tourist Board. We combine our passion for photography with our love for traveling and with it offer you photo tours to the best locations in Iceland.